49ers Need to Sign George Kittle to Contract Extension This Offseason

The 2017 NFL Draft class was ridiculously deep at tight end. That was further evidenced by the fact that George Kittle was selected in the fifth round by the San Francisco 49ers. Since then, he's solidified his spot as one of the best tight ends in the game today.

Kittle's been a godsend for the 49ers, but they have a decision to make by 2021, as he's set to become an unrestricted free agent. It's a simple choice, San Francisco needs to sign him to a contract extension this offseason.

Kittle has one year remaining on his rookie deal, making just $1.2 million. Considering he broke the single-season receiving yards mark for a tight end in 2018, and was the 49ers' leading receiver in 2019, he's deservedly due for a new contract.

Luckily, the 49ers have made that a priority according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. Additional reports indicated they want to get a deal done before top free agent tight end Austin Hooper signs a new contract, which would reset the market.

When looking at the current tight end market, Travis Kelce of the Chiefs earns an annual salary of $9.4 million. But then, you see that underperforming Jimmy Graham earns $10 million per campaign.

Kittle should blow those numbers out of the water, and the 49ers need to jump on the task at hand...before his asking price increases.